South Carolina and Georgia Coastal Expeditions Program—Connecting Students to Coastlines, Careers, and Culture

For many college students across South Carolina and Georgia, the coastal regions of their states exist more as an idea than a lived experience. Despite living in coastal states, a surprising number of students have never visited a salt marsh, stepped onto a barrier island, or spoken with the communities whose lives are tied to coastal ecosystems.

That gap in experience is exactly what the South Carolina and Georgia Coastal Expeditions Program was designed to address. In February 2026, students and faculty gathered for the third year of the South Carolina and Georgia Coastal Expeditions Program, a collaborative initiative aimed at connecting students to the environmental, economic, and cultural realities of coastal life. Funded through the Department of South Carolina State University by the Business, Environment, Communication, and Transportation (BECT) Institute, the expedition continues to grow as a transformative learning experience that reaches far beyond the classroom.

 

Held February 4 through February 8, 2026, the expedition brought together students and faculty from institutions across both states on a hands-on learning experience that blended science, history, culture, and professional development into a single immersive journey. Participating partners included South Carolina State University, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Savannah State University, the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia Marine Institute, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, and Georgia Sea Grant.

Why Coastal Exposure Matters

South Carolina and Georgia’s coastal regions are rich in both environmental and cultural diversity. These landscapes support fisheries, tourism, transportation, and agriculture while also serving as homes to communities with deep historical roots. At the same time, coastal regions are experiencing rapid development, land-use change, and environmental shifts that are transforming ecosystems and posing challenges to local communities.

Yet many students living in these states never have the opportunity to see these changes firsthand. Pre-expedition surveys revealed that nearly 90 percent of participating students reported little to no knowledge about coastal environments before the trip. For some, this expedition marked their very first visit to the coast.

Field-based learning experiences create opportunities that classroom instruction alone cannot replicate. Walking through salt marshes, observing fisheries research, and speaking directly with scientists and cultural leaders provides context that deepens understanding and encourages curiosity.

Expedition Itinerary

The Coastal Expeditions Program combined classroom-style learning, field exploration, and cultural engagement over five days as participants traveled across South Carolina and Georgia to visit research facilities, coastal habitats, and historic sites.

A significant portion of the expedition focused on South Carolina’s coastal ecosystems and research institutions. Participants traveled to Georgetown, South Carolina, where they were welcomed at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory. There, students toured research facilities and explored the surrounding salt marsh via the Midden Trail, an interpretive boardwalk that showcases both the area’s natural ecology and archaeological shell middens that reflect thousands of years of human history, learning about marsh ecology, coastal wildlife, and historical land use. Students also participated in hands-on seining, a field sampling technique that uses a large net pulled through shallow water to collect and study aquatic organisms, in nearby tidal creeks.

This activity allowed them to identify fish, crabs, and shrimp while gaining practical experience with methods commonly used in coastal research and monitoring. Additional sessions introduced ongoing research within the North Inlet–Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, highlighting education, stewardship, and coastal monitoring efforts. The day concluded with a cultural presentation on Gullah/Geechee history and traditions, providing important context on the cultural heritage of South Carolina’s coastal communities.

Coastal Expedition cohort learning about coastal restoration efforts at the Folly Beach Pier, S.C. Photo Credit: Noah Stillman S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

In Charleston and Folly Beach, students examined shoreline management and coastal restoration efforts. At the Folly Beach Pier, participants observed beach renourishment projects and contributed to shoreline monitoring through CoastSnap activities. The group also toured major South Carolina marine science facilities at Fort Johnson, including laboratories operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and interdisciplinary research centers focused on coastal and marine science.

The expedition later expanded into Georgia, where participants visited Sapelo Island to tour the University of Georgia Marine Institute, explore Nanny Goat Beach, and observe barrier island habitats. The group also visited the Skidaway Marine Education Center and Aquarium, where students engaged with exhibits, touch tanks, and hatchery operations supporting marine education and conservation.

The final day included a visit to Wormsloe Historic Site, providing historical context on coastal settlement and land use in the region before participants departed for their return home.

Expanding Access and Representation

While the expedition was originally developed with science majors in mind, the program has since expanded to include students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Today, participants include students studying communications, transportation, education, environmental science, business, and other fields.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects the reality that coastal challenges require collaboration across many professions.

A major focus of the program is expanding opportunities for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities across South Carolina and Georgia. Through participation in the expedition, students are introduced to research institutions, laboratories, and professional environments that help them envision potential career paths. They also gain exposure to fellowship programs, internships, and employment opportunities that can support their academic and professional development.

Career Exploration Beyond the Classroom

One of the most important outcomes of the Coastal Expeditions Program is increased awareness of career pathways related to coastal and marine science.

Students are introduced to research in resilience, fisheries management, and aquaculture while interacting directly with professionals working in these fields. These encounters allow students to see how academic knowledge translates into real-world careers.

 

Participants also build professional networks that may lead to internships, mentorships, and employment opportunities. Access to role models is a key component of the program. Seeing professionals who share similar backgrounds helps students envision themselves working in coastal and environmental fields.

A Learning Experience for Everyone

While the program focuses on student development, learning occurs at every level.

Louis Heyward, a long-time natural resource professional with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, captured this shared learning experience when reflecting on the expedition:

“This program provides a great opportunity for exposure, and students who take advantage of it can learn a tremendous amount. For some students, the program helps them discover what they want to pursue, while for others, it helps them realize what they may not want to do, which is just as valuable in shaping their future paths. The experience is valuable not only for students, but for mentors as well. Even after 25 years with the Department of Natural Resources, there is always something new to learn. In fact, everyone involved benefits from the experience. Even the bus driver enjoys participating because of how much he learns along the way.”

His words highlight one of the most meaningful aspects of the expedition. Learning does not only occur in classrooms or laboratories. It happens through shared experiences, conversations, and moments of discovery.

Measuring Impact and Looking Forward

Post-expedition surveys show measurable improvements in student understanding of coastal environments and cultural history.

Participants report increased awareness of coastal resilience efforts, fisheries research, and aquaculture projects being led by partner institutions. Many students also express interest in pursuing further education or careers related to marine science and coastal management.

Future program goals include tracking student outcomes over time to better understand how participation influences academic paths and career decisions.

Faculty and students are also working toward producing educational materials that extend the program’s impact. These include lesson activities, children’s literature that connects Gullah Geechee culture to marine science, and digital media projects created by student teams.

Strengthening Coastal Awareness Across Generations

The South Carolina and Georgia Coastal Expeditions Program represents more than a field trip. It is a pathway for discovery, professional growth, and cultural understanding.

By connecting students to coastal environments, historical narratives, and scientific research, the program fosters a deeper awareness of how coastal systems shape both communities and economies.

For many students, the expedition marks their first meaningful encounter with the coast. For others, it becomes the moment when curiosity turns into career inspiration.

As the program continues into future years, its mission remains clear: to expand opportunity, strengthen knowledge, and prepare the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of the coast.

To learn more about the program, reach out to Louis Heyward.